Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, lights the pipe of Sen. Thomas J. Dodd, D-Conn., as they attend a Democratic caucus on July 20, 1964 on Capitol Hill in Washington. Both had reason to celebrate. The Hawaiian senator became a father last Tuesday when his wife gave birth to a boy, their first child in 15 years of marriage. Sen. Dodd became a grandfather last Saturday. His, daughter, Mrs. Bernard Buonanno of East Greenwich, R.I., presented him with a granddaughter. - Associated Press

Washington, DC – Former Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement upon learning of the passing of his close friend and colleague, Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI).

“Jackie and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Senator Dan Inouye.

“Since the age of seventeen, Senator Inouye served the people of Hawaii, and the people of America with passion and dedication. A war hero, Medal of Honor winner, and Hawaii's first representative in Washington, D.C. - Dan Inouye was a true inspiration to our nation.

“He was one of the rare individuals to pass through the institution who has been able to engender a genuine love and affection among his colleagues. This afternoon the country lost a truly remarkable man.

“A friend of my father's, Senator Inouye was the first one to welcome me to the Senate on my first day. Since that day I looked to him often throughout my career for sage wisdom and advice. And though he represented a state thousands of miles away, Senator Inouye was a great friend to the state of Connecticut, and the people of our state are better off today thanks to his tremendous support.

“The United States Senate will not be the same without Senator Inouye's knowledge, expertise and friendly 'Aloha' greetings. He will forever be remembered by our nation for his service and sacrifices as a WWII veteran, a United States Senator, and a champion of the causes he held dear. And Jackie and I will always remember him for his years of remarkable friendship."